Nervous System-Informed Therapy in San Diego, CA

Harness the Power of Mind-Body Integration to Heal Trauma, Alleviate Anxiety, and Foster Resilience

Nervous system dysregulation can feel like being stuck in overdrive, constantly overwhelmed and reactive, or frozen in a state of numbness and disconnection, making it difficult to feel safe or at ease in your own body.

At Nourished Wellness Group, we understand that true healing requires more than addressing thoughts and behaviors—it involves working with the body’s innate wisdom to restore balance to the nervous system. Our integrative mental health practice in Encinitas, California, is rooted in a nervous system-informed approach, blending evidence-based modalities like Somatic Therapy, EMDR, Walk-and-Talk Therapy, and Yoga Therapy. By tailoring treatment to meet your unique needs, we support you in calming your overactive stress responses, releasing trauma stored in the body, and cultivating a deep sense of safety and resilience. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or major life transitions, our holistic approach empowers you to reconnect with yourself and move toward lasting well-being.

Nervous System-Informed Therapy

At the core of mental health lies the nervous system—a dynamic, interconnected system that influences how we process emotions, respond to stress, and build meaningful relationships. A nervous system-informed approach bridges the gap between traditional talk therapy and the body’s innate wisdom. By addressing the physiological roots of emotional distress, this method moves beyond surface-level symptom management, empowering clients to experience deeper, more sustainable healing. In practice, a nervous system-informed approach integrates tools and techniques tailored to enhance regulation and self-awareness. Examples of how this may be incorporated into therapy include:

  • Psychoeducation on the nervous system (e.g., understanding concepts like Polyvagal Theory and the Window of Tolerance).

  • Interactive handouts or exercises (e.g., mapping the nervous system to track patterns and triggers).

  • Somatic awareness techniques focus on how postures, sensations, and shifts in the body reflect specific nervous system states.

  • Breathwork practices designed to support nervous system regulation.

  • Movement-based interventions, such as yoga or gentle somatic movement, to encourage grounding and release tension.

  • Mindfulness and sensory grounding exercises that help reconnect the mind and body.

This approach respects the intricate mind-body connection, empowering clients to heal and thrive by tapping into their body’s natural capacity for resilience and balance.

A mind-body approach to tend to your whole self.

This approach recognizes that the body holds the story of our experiences. Trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress leave imprints not only on the mind but also on the nervous system, often locking us into cycles of dysregulation. Through Polyvagal Theory and evidence-based modalities like Somatic Therapy, EMDR, and Yoga Therapy, we work to restore balance and resilience by creating safety within the body. Whether you're seeking to calm an overactive fight-or-flight response or reconnect with your authentic self, nervous system-informed care offers a path to profound transformation and empowerment.

Your nervous system deserves care, support, and attention. Let us guide you.

FAQs About nervous system-informed approach in San Diego, CA

  • A nervous system-informed approach to therapy is a holistic method that integrates the science of the nervous system with traditional therapeutic techniques to support mental and emotional well-being. This approach focuses on understanding how your nervous system responds to stress, trauma, and life experiences, recognizing that mental health challenges are deeply connected to physiological patterns in the body.

    By addressing the body-mind connection, this approach helps clients identify and shift patterns of nervous system dysregulation—such as being stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown responses. Therapists trained in this method use evidence-based techniques like Somatic Therapy, Somatic EMDR, and Yoga Therapy to help regulate the nervous system, promote emotional safety, and foster resilience. Nervous system-informed therapy is especially effective for individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, or difficulty managing overwhelming emotions, offering tools for long-term healing and transformation.

  • A nervous system-informed approach is just that—an approach we utilize in therapy. There is no additional cost, as it is part of our philosophy. However, it's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options and any necessary steps to get reimbursement. Our team is here to assist you in navigating this process, ensuring you have the support you need.

  • Just like any first session, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment. Your therapist will likely ask about your current situation, the struggles you're facing, and your goals for therapy. This session is an opportunity for you to share your experiences and ask questions about the therapeutic process. Building rapport and trust is key, so your therapist will work to create a comfortable atmosphere where you feel free to express yourself. Your therapist will also help provide education regarding the nervous system, while integrating nervous system regulation practices.